Freeze-Thaw Damage

Masonry walls are generally highly durable. However, when masonry walls in cold climates stay too wet for too long, freeze-thaw damage can occur. This issue has particular relevance for energy efficiency retrofits, because the addition of interior insulation causes the masonry to stay colder and have a lower drying potential.

The following documents present details of BSC’s research and experience regarding the prevention of freeze-thaw damage in retrofit projects. Technical topics such as the critical degree of saturation (Scrit) are discussed, and case studies and recommendations are provided.

Document Type

Existing homes present an incredible variety of conditions. The variations of building techniques over time and across different regions combined with the inherent individuality among builders lends to a mind-boggling variety of configurations in existing housing stock. Rather than try to encompass all of the possible solutions responding to each of various existing conditions, this guide details a limited number of options for deep energy retrofit of common configurations found in wood framed New England homes. Through its experience in guiding high performance retrofit projects, BSC has found the solutions in this guide to be applicable to the vast majority of circumstances. Some retrofit projects will require solutions that are not described in this guide.